Difference Between the Various Forms of Injectable Semaglutide

The below content is intended for Felix Health clinic patients only.

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In Canada, there are two brands of the same drug/compound, called injectable semaglutide.

The key differences are:

1. Intended use
2. Dosage
3. Cost

Intended Use:

Both forms of  injectable semaglutide function and work on the body the same way. The pancreas secretes hormones that control blood sugar production— these medications mimic this natural hormone. Injectable semaglutide helps the body to better regulate blood sugar levels as well as slowing down digestion, making your body feel “full.”

Semaglutide is an injectable drug that goes by two different brand names. One form of this drug, Ozempic, is authorized for sale by Health Canada to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus while its counterpart, Wegovy, is indicated for long-term weight management. Both use the same semaglutide compound and work the same way on the body. 

Dosage:

Dosing for weight management is generally higher than the dosing for diabetes. Generally speaking, injectable semaglutide dosing starts at 0.25 milligrams (mg) every week. Dosing typically increases every 4 weeks depending on your body’s response to the medication. Once you reach a dosage of above 1 mg, it starts to differ. 

The maximum dose for the treatment of diabetes is 1 mg. The maximum weight management dose is 2.4 mg. From 1mg, the dosage will generally be  increased to 1.7mg, then the maximum dose of 2.4mg. The goal of dose increases isn’t to reach the maximum dose available, but to find the lowest possible dose that provides effective results for you. This means that the dose that’s right for you may not be the same as someone else.

*Prices shown do not reflect provincial or private insurance coverage and may vary by province.

Cost:

The cost of injectable semaglutide varies because the different brand medication pens are different costs, as seen in the table above.

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